Thermal Models of the Human Auditory Canal

Abstract

Infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) are used to determine core body temperature in human subjects. Current models are unreliable in non-clinical and non-laboratory situations. A new ITT device is being developed to correct this problem. To ensure that this device reliably measures the core body temperature, thermal casts of the human ear were created. These casts can accurately mimic and monitor the thermal conditions of the human auditory canal by using heating wire and thermocouples. They are also anatomically accurate and represent the various shapes and sizes of adult ear canals. It is recommended that new ITT devices should be subjected to testing with these thermal models since the ability to control and monitor the temperature of the casts allows for an accurate analysis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 11, 2001
Accession Number
ADA390784

Entities

People

  • Ghislain A. Arsenault
  • Michael B. Ducharme

Organizations

  • Defence Research and Development Canada

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anatomy
  • Arteries
  • Body Temperature
  • Chromium Alloys
  • Diameters
  • Ear
  • Engineering
  • Health Services
  • Heat Transfer
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Membranes
  • National Security
  • Shape
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Thermocouples
  • Thermometers

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.